Workplaces often face psychosocial risks such as heavy workloads, role ambiguity, and poor communication. Policies and systems are important - and everyday emotions and interactions shape how people experience these risks. Positive psychology shows us that small, consistent practices can shift the emotional climate, lower stress, and strengthen wellbeing at work.

How emotions shape communication

The way we feel changes the way we speak and listen. When emotions run low, conversations often become critical, dismissive, or defensive. When emotions are more positive, people tend to be open, curious, and constructive. Leaders who pay attention to these behaviours can create conditions that keep dialogue respectful and forward-looking, even during high-pressure periods.

Practical tip

Open a meeting with a one-word check-in. Naming emotions helps people feel heard, clears the air, and makes space for more effective communication.

Gratitude as a daily reset

Gratitude is both an emotion and a practice. When people feel genuinely appreciated, their wellbeing rises and collaboration feels easier. Simple and genuine acknowledgements - name the person, the behaviour, and the impact - make a difference.

Example: “Thank you for preparing those slides so clearly. It helped the whole team explain our ideas with confidence.”

Small expressions like this reduce psychosocial risks linked to feeling undervalued or unseen.

Strength spotting and recognition

Strength spotting involves identifying and expressing what individuals do well and what energises them. When strengths are recognised, motivation and clarity increase, and risks, such as poor reward or recognition, decrease. It is also a practical way to reduce the perception of being undervalued - a common psychosocial stressor.

Belonging as a buffer against stress

Research shows belonging is one of the strongest drivers of workplace wellbeing. When people feel included and know their contribution matters, stress reduces. Belonging looks different for everyone. For some it may be skill-sharing sessions; for others it may be flexible ways of working or a simple acknowledgement that their preferences are respected.

At its core, belonging is about mattering: I am valued, I am seen, and I make a difference.

Learned optimism: reframing risks

Optimism in this context means learned optimism, an explanatory style that balances thinking. Three questions guide the process:

• Permanence: How long will this really last?
• Pervasiveness: Does it affect everything, or just some areas?
• Personalisation: What part can I influence or choose differently?

This approach helps people reframe challenges. For example: “I have been working long hours recently. The extra effort is for this project, other areas of life remain energising, and I can choose how I manage my energy.” This reframing protects wellbeing and prevents risks from escalating.

Emotional Intelligence ties it together

Positive psychology and emotional intelligence are intertwined. The ability to notice, understand, and manage emotions helps people handle uncomfortable moments, make constructive choices, and support one another. Together, these skills lower psychosocial risks across the board.

Key takeaway

Gratitude, strength spotting, belonging, and learned optimism are small yet powerful practices that change the way work feels. When leaders and teams apply them consistently, they build healthier workplaces where people thrive and risks are reduced. These practices represent just a few of the strategies available, offering a glimpse into how positive psychology can support wellbeing and resilience at work.

Bring Positive Psychology to life with our accredited programs. The Work on Wellbeing Accreditation (Tuesday 18 November) enables you to measure and improve wellbeing using a scientifically validated diagnostic tool. Complement this with Strengths Profile Accreditation (Tuesday 11 November) to strengthen recognition, belonging, and engagement in teams. 

For a focused boost, join our Building Confidence: Unlocking the Power of Self-Belief webinar for both BST and AEDT time zones (21/22 October) to gain practical tools that transform self-doubt into confidence.

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